Monday, January 14, 2013
Top 10 Cars of the 2013 Tokyo Auto Salon
Coming in 10th on our list of Top 10 Cars of the 2013 Tokyo Auto Salon is the Honda CR-Z Mugen RZ. Perhaps what the CR-Z should have been from the factory, minus the rear spoiler, the Mugen RZ is a supercharged hybrid powered by a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder with 153 hp. Five-away adjustable coilovers give the CR-Z the sporty handling it deserves, while the body styling gives the CR-Z a much more attractive design. Too bad Mugen is only planning on selling 300 of them.
10. Honda CR-Z Mugen RZ
10. Honda CR-Z Mugen RZ
9. Top Secret Toyota GT 86
It’s not so much the car that makes it on our Top 10 list, but rather what it symbolizes. For years, Top Secret built some of the greatest cars to come out of Japan, but in recent years, its definitely lost some of its luster. While its NissanGT-R projects are undoubtedly impressive, we have good reason to expect great things to come from the Top Secret ToyotaGT 86. And honestly, that’s the beauty of the 86 – it has done wonders for all sorts of tuning firms around the world, and Top Secret is looking to make its mark. A special turbo kit developed with Trust lurks under the hood and we can’t wait until good ‘ol “Smoky” Nagata gets behind the wheel
8. Star Road Fairlady 280Z
A hidden gem at the 2013 Tokyo Auto Salon, this Fairlady 280Z was immaculate inside and out. Known as the Datsun 240Z in America, the Nissan S30 has a rich heritage in Japan. Star Road is the company behind the rebuild, giving it a perfect body, paint, and the Work Equip 03 wheels pays homage to a true classic.
7. Wald Toyota GT 86
One of the most aggressive Toyota GT 86s at this year’s Auto Salon was from Wald. Sporting a matte black paint job, the widebody might not be for everybody, but its sharp lines somehow manage to flow into a complete package. The hood is a tad much for our tastes, but in a sea of custom GT 86s, it’s one way to stand out from the crowd.
6. Fab Design McLaren MP4-12C
We’ll be the first to admit that in the past, some of Fab Design’s creations have been over-the-top. But that’s not the case with the McLarenMP4-12C that took center stage in the company’s booth. With the European section of the show growing each year, cars like the MP4-12C convertible is a necessity to grab the attention of show goers. The styling builds upon the factory MP4-12C without going overboard (though the wheels are excessive), and we absolutely love the matte orange finish.
5. HKS Toyota GT 86
Of all the modified GT 86s that showed up to the 2013 Tokyo Auto Salon, the pair of HKS-built ones are the ones we’re most excited to see perform on the track. This one was located in the Advan booth, showcasing the tuner’s newest RGIII wheel. The Advan RG, which has a storied history throughout the last decade, is now seeing its third iteration – and what better way to show it off than on one of the nicest 86s at the show? Besides, how nostalgic is it to see that HKS scheme back on a relevant car?
4. Nissan GT-R GT3
As popular as the BRZ and GT 86 is, sometimes it’s nice to have a reminder that the Nissan GT-R still reigns supreme in the Land of the Rising Sun. So instead of showcasing a random GT-R packed with gaudy body modifications and super large wheels, we decided to add the GT-R GT3 onto our list of Top 10. Why? Simple. The GT-R was built to dominate the track, and has done so in a way that few automakers will ever be able to mimic in their lifetime. The GT-R GT3 takes all that is great about the GT-R and makes it even better to compete on the track. And besides, it just straight up looks mean.
3. Robureta Ferrari F40
Robureta didn’t have one, not two, but three FerrariF40s in its booth. The first street-legal road car to break the 200-mph barrier, the Ferrari F40 is considered by many as the greatest supercar the world has ever seen. And at the 2013 Tokyo Auto Salon, people were able to see three of them. At once.2. Liberty Walk Lamborghini Aventador
As great of a feat as it was to assemble a trio of Ferrari F40s, some would argue that Robureta was trumped by the booth located a mere 10 feet away. Liberty Walk, known for their insane Lamborghinibuilds, rolled out its latest and greatest. Giving an Aventador a similar treatment that its Murcielago is famous for, the brushed stainless steel wrap, lowered stance, matte black accents, and larger wheels makes this Aventador to die for.
. 1 GRMN Sports FR Concept Platinum
But it would be a crime if the GRMN Sports FR Concept Platinum wasn’t at the top of our list of cars at the 2013 Tokyo Auto Salon. Other than its really verbose name, the Toyota Supra-inspired GT 86 built by Gazoo Racing promises that the GT 86 still has a long way to go within the tuning community. With original bodywork, headlights, and taillights, the style of the GT 86 has been changed drastically – so much so that some would mistake it for a new car. Mating the four-cylinder Boxer engine with a turbocharger and a supercharger that’s good for 330 hp is just simply bragging rights. Overall, the GRMN Sports FR Concept Platinum is 4-inches longer and 3-inches wider than a factory GT 86, but the immaculate bodywork would have you think it’s factory.